“If the referee has proved himself at the top level it should not matter what country they come from”

Jim Boyce

Pellegrini could now face action from UEFA for the accusations made following the 2-0 defeat to the Spanish champions.

Eriksson is among the referees selected by FIFA to officiate at this summer's World Cup finals in Brazil.

Boyce said: "If the referee has proved himself at the top level it should not matter what country they come from.

"All the referees who have been chosen for the World Cup have been assessed by experienced officials who have been involved at Fifa and Uefa level and marked on their performances in the World Cup and confederation competitions at a high level."

BACK-UP: Boyce is backing Eriksson [GETTY]

The Northern Irishman added: "I read the remarks that were made by the Manchester City manager.

"I saw the game and my own personal opinion is that I thought the referee had a good game.

"He is a very experienced referee who has been chosen for the World Cup because of excellent reports of his performances in Europe."